Sharing Hope

How can something so good be a cause for guilt? In Acts chapter one, we see Jesus leaving the earth and taking His place beside God the Father. His task is finished and now He “passes the baton” to His disciples. He said to them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (v. 8). The assignment is not complicated or impossible. We are to be witnesses. A while ago I was called into court to “be a witness.” I didn’t have to search for information, or worry about what people would think; I simply told what I saw and heard. I believe the Lord is speaking to us who are part of His church. He is challenging us not to be overcome by the problems of sin and darkness. He is calling us to make a difference. The mission we are given is not beyond us or too difficult. We are to simply to tell what we know to be true. Jesus rose from the dead and is willing to forgive the sins of every person who comes to Him! He gives the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him! This is Good News! So, the question is, “Why don’t we witness more?” I ask myself the same question, and here is what I come up with. We walk in fear more than faith. We’re afraid of what people may think of us, or that we may not know an answer someone may ask. Also, we don’t witness much because we are distracted by the “tinsel and glitter” of the world. The things of this life get so much of our attention that we hardly even think about the things that matter most. During our Missions Convention, the Lord is speaking to us about witnessing more. He is faithful because He not only tells us what to do, but He empowers us! We need to ask Him for more of the Holy Spirit, so that His power would replace our weakness and fear. God doesn’t want us to be filled with guilt because of our silence. We can do what He calls us to do!